29th Accounting Banquet celebrates future of ‘data storytellers’

Approximately 150 accounting students, alumni, and faculty came together on April 24 for the 29th annual Accounting Banquet, a celebration of department-wide successes that highlighted alumni accomplishments and awarded scholarships to students.

“You represent our past and shape our future,” said Eastern President Karim Ismaili in his opening remarks. Ismaili thanked the 70 alumni in attendance for supporting current students with internships, mentoring, and employment opportunities. “That is why Eastern exists,” said Ismaili," ... to launch our students into their careers.”

Mohd RuJoub, accounting program coordinator and department chair, also noted the role alumni play in students' success. "They are eager to give back to their alma mater and contribute to the career development of their successors," he said. "We value our alumni's continued support over the years and look forward to seeing them at future accounting events."

Ismaili then introduced the event’s guest speaker, Edward J. Fitzgerald ’18, certified public accountant (CPA), to give remarks. Crafting a successful career after graduating from Eastern, Fitzgerald is currently a partner at Nicola Yester Accounting Firm.

“His work in public accounting and service on several nonprofit boards exemplifies the kind of leadership and civic engagement we hope to inspire in all of our graduates,” Ismaili said.

The language of business

“It’s often said that accounting is the language of business,” said Fitzgerald. “As such, we get to be storytellers of data.”

Fitzgerald explained that CPAs guide clients to manage their capital and resources as efficiently as possible. He emphasized the importance of integrity and perseverance in the profession.

Fitzgerald reminded students that CPAs must display integrity and dedication. “Grit, not intelligence, is the best predictor of success,” he urged.

Lastly, Fitzgerald touched on the impending changes to the industry through the dissemination of artificial intelligence (AI). He explained that although most “number crunching” tasks may be replaced by computers in the near future, “the human element remains crucial.” Fitzgerald assured that AI will allow accountants to “free up higher-level, value-added work.”

Honoring student achievements

The accounting banquet also featured a ceremony for student awards and scholarships. “We are very proud that several accounting students received scholarship awards, presented to them by leaders in the accounting industry in Connecticut, donors, and friends of the program,” said RuJoub

Bernardo Barron and Dylan Calvo received the Hughes and Family Scholarship. Fred and Ginny Hughes ‘87 met in Eastern’s business administration program and later married. The scholarship was established in 2022 by the couple and is awarded to in-state accounting students who demonstrate financial need.

Sophia Hanlon, Nevaeh King, Ashley Price, and Enmanuel Acosta earned the Dr. Mohd RuJoub and Family Endowed Accounting Scholarship. Designed by RuJoub to help his many students enter successful careers after graduation, this award is also aimed at supporting accounting students with financial need.

Alexa Lebiszczak received the Founders of Accounting Scholarship, established in 2005 by professors John P. Listro, William T. Sisco, and Ralph E. Webb. This scholarship is earned by accounting majors with leadership and citizenship qualities, along with financial need.

Aidan Zimmitti and Brianne Surfus received, respectively, the Fiondella Milone and Lasaracina (FML) scholarship and the Mystic Accounting Group scholarship.

Each scholarship, established by accounting faculty, alumni, and community leaders, aims to open doors for Eastern students and provide a foundation for professional success.

Students also had the chance to form new relationships with alumni during the banquet. “It’s a good time to network and learn about the field,” said Dylan Calvo, president of Eastern’s Accounting Society. “It’s a great way to potentially get internships.”

“Relationships are everything,” added Professor Sukeshini Grandhi, coordinator of Eastern's graduate program in organizational management. She noted that coming to banquets and networking events are a good way to “pay it forward.”

“That is the true meaning of networking,” said Grandhi.

The banquet left students in attendance feeling optimistic about the future of accounting. “I have confidence in the program,” said senior accounting major Ian Kim, referencing the sheer number of students and alumni to attend the banquet. “People care about it. … It’s reassuring.”